Look To The Stars News: Bob Dylan

Iconic Stars Reveal Inspirations For Charity Calendar

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:30:00 -0000

British charity CLIC Sargent is to benefit from sales of a new calendar featuring the inspiration selections of Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Elvis Presley, Bruce Springsteen, Bono and other icons for the music world.

Music and entertainment specialist HMV is to mark the third anniversary of its acclaimed my inspiration campaign by featuring memorable highlights in a charity calendar for 2009/2010.

These include the my inspiration selections of Bob Dylan – who selected Scottish poet, Robert Burns; Bono and Paul McCartney, who, in turn, cite Bob Dylan as theirs; Paul Weller, who was first inspired by the songwriting of Lennon and McCartney; Bruce Springsteen, who was influenced by Blues performer Woodie Guthrie; and Deborah Harry, who found inspiration in the songs of Leonard Cohen.

My inspiration invites iconic and exciting new artists to share with their fans the song lyric or lines of verse that have inspired them in their life and in their work. The campaign began in September 2006, when David Bowie selected Syd Barrett’s Gigolo Aunt as his personal inspiration. Since that time well over 150 artists have taken part, ranging from Timbaland to the first lady of France, Carla Bruni, as well as new artists such as Lady Gaga and La Roux.

A key part of the calendar are the iconic black & white portraits of the participating artists taken by photographers who are themselves celebrated, such as Anton Corbijn, Fiona Freund, Dean Chalkley, Lawrence Watson, Adrian Boot and Frank Ockenfels 3 – making it a must not just for music fans and collectors, but for anyone with an appreciation of rock photography.

The A3-sized calendar comes with a foreword from Q Editor-in-Chief Paul Rees, and offers the added bonus of a full eighteen months worth of artist inspiration selections, starting from August 2009 with The Edge’s selection, covering all of 2010 and then ending in January 2011 with Metallica’s choice of their inspiration.

Click here to order.

Bob Dylan Gives Royalties To World Hunger Programme

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Royalties from Bob Dylan’s forthcoming Christmas album will be donated to the World Food Programme (WFP) at a time when a growing hunger crisis threatens the lives of 108 million people worldwide.

The artist’s international royalties in perpetuity from his forthcoming album of holiday songs, Christmas In The Heart, to be released 12 October, will be donated to WFP, the agency said today. WFP said this extraordinary gift will bring help and hope to hungry families who have been dealt a devastating blow by the financial crisis and stubbornly high food prices.

“Bob Dylan’s generosity to help WFP feed the world’s hungry couldn’t come at a better time. Starting this Christmas, we can give thousands of meals to hungry school children all over the world, a gift for a lifetime,” said Josette Sheeran, Executive Director of WFP, the world’s largest humanitarian agency, fighting hunger worldwide, adding that for just 25 US cents a day, WFP can fill a school child’s cup with porridge to help them learn better and succeed in the future.

“The number of hungry in the world — many of them children — has hit an historic high while food assistance has reached a historic low. Today in the United States and in much of Europe, more people are relying on government safety nets for food and support than perhaps ever before, but for 80 per cent of the world, a safety net is little more than a dream. Bob Dylan’s new album will help change that.”

Bob Dylan commented, “That the problem of hunger is ultimately solvable means we must each do what we can to help feed those who are suffering and support efforts to find long-term solutions. I’m honoured to partner with the World Food Programme and Crisis in their fight against hunger worldwide.”

Christmas In The Heart will be the 47th album from Bob Dylan, and follows his worldwide chart-topping Together Through Life, released earlier this year. Songs performed by Dylan on this new album include, “Here Comes Santa Claus,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Little Drummer Boy” and “Must Be Santa.”

Bob Dylan’s Christmas Album to Aid the Hungry

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:27:00 -0000

Written by Emily Ray

Folk rock legend Bob Dylan hopes to announce that ‘Times They Are A Changin’ as he endeavours to raise money for Feeding America through the release of a new Christmas album.

All American royalties will be forwarded to the charity, which is the country’s leading domestic hunger relief charity, assisting more than 25 million low income people in the United States. Further hunger relief organisations around the world will also benefit from proceeds from the CD.

Dylan told www.feedingamerica.org: “It’s a tragedy that more than 35 million people in this country alone -12 million of those children – often go to bed hungry and wake up each morning unsure of where their next meal is coming from. I join the good people of Feeding America in the hope that our efforts can bring some food security to people in need during this holiday season.”

The album, entitled ‘Christmas in the Heart’, will feature Dylan’s versions of classics including ‘Here Comes Santa Claus’ and ‘Winter Wonderland’. For the perfect Christmas stocking gift with a conscience, you can buy the album from October 13th.

Michael Jackson's Glove To Be Auctioned For Charity

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Michael Jackson’s original sparkling glove will be auctioned off for charity at the annual Music Icons event at the Hard Rock Café in New York’s Times Square in November.

But this isn’t just one of the many gloves the singer wore over his lifetime, which were right hand gloves. This is the one-of-a-kind left hand glove Jackson wore when he unveiled the moonwalk during the “Motown 25” special in 1983. Jackson gifted the glove to Walter Orange, one of the founding members of the Commodores, and it is considered one of the most iconic pieces of Michael Jackson history.

“Michael came up behind me and put his hand over my eyes and said, ‘Guess who?’“ said Orange. “I knew who it was because I felt the one glove on his left hand and no glove on the other. When I once again asked him for his autograph, Michael gave me the glove he wore that night instead, still refusing to give me his autograph! He was always a real prankster, even as a little boy, so I asked him if he was serious about giving me the glove, and he assured me that he was.”

Also going under the hammer are a stage-worn fedora hat worn by Michael in his performance at the 1995 MTV Music Awards with a letter from Lisa Marie Presley Jackson stating its provenance, zombie costumes from the Thriller video, a stage-worn costume from Jackson’s final United States concert in April of 2002, Michael Jackson’s stage worn “Bad” jacket signed by Michael Jackson, record awards and other property from his historic career. Also going up for sale are early Madonna demo tapes, unreleased Jimi Hendrix lyrics and items from Bob Dylan, Elvis, the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Kurt Cobain and Janis Joplin.

Proceeds from the sale of the glove will go to MusiCares, which provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. Its services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community.

To learn more about the auction, click here.

Nelson Mandela's 91st Celebrated In Style

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A galaxy of stars turned out to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 91st birthday in New York during the weekend, with proceeds going to one of the South African legend’s charities.

Bruce Springsteen, Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder and many more appeared at the Radio City Music Hall on Saturday, July 19, with money raised going to 46664, Mandela’s campaign to help raise Global awareness of AIDS/HIV. 46664 aims to highlight the emergency of AIDS/HIV through unique live events and music related initiatives.

Mandela himself was unable to attend the event, but did send a video message in which he said “It is on your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.” President Barack Obama also appeared via video, saying that Mandela’s life “teaches us that the impossible can be done, but only if people have the courage to make change happen.”

Morgan Freeman, Forest Whitaker, Whoopi Goldberg, Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins spoke at the event.

Others to perform at the concert included French first lady Carla Bruni, who sang Bob Dylan’s Blowing in the Wind with former Eurythmics guitarist Dave Stewart. Queen Latifah, Aretha Franklin, Josh Groban, will.i.am, Wyclef Jean and Gloria Gaynor also performed, and Cyndi Lauper dueted with Lil’ Kim.

“Our struggle for freedom and justice was a collective effort,“ said Mandela. “It is our hope that people will dedicate their time and effort to improve the conditions within their own community.”

Early Tickets To Farm Aid Go On Sale Today

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Pre-sale tickets to this year’s Farm Aid concert are available today, July 17.

The concert will take place on October 4 at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Maryland Heights, Missouri. The annual event is set to include Farm Aid board members Neil Young, Willie Nelson, Dave Matthews and John Mellencamp, with more acts to be announced soon.

“Just as rock & roll is loud and proud, so is Farm Aid,“ said Neil Young. "Farm Aid’s greatest accomplishment, I believe, is in the spirit. It’s the fact that we represent the spirit of the good fight, to keep something good happening. It just keeps getting stronger and stronger….”

Now entering its 24th year, Farm Aid has raised more than $23 million for family farms and organic agricultural initiatives since the first concert in 1985. A plethora of stars have appeared at the concerts to increase awareness of the importance of family farms over the years, including Jon Bon Jovi, Bob Dylan, Vince Gill, Sammy Hagar, Don Henley, Billy Joel, Charley Pride, and Lou Reed.

Every year Farm Aid funds farm support organizations that assist farmers with services including financial and credit counseling, legal advice, and disaster and emergency services. However, without the nation’s attention and support, Farm Aid’s work could not continue. It is the annual high-profile concert that ultimately keeps Farm Aid alive and running.

Pre-sale tickets are only available to Farm Aid members. General public tickets go on sale July 25. To find out more or purchase tickets, visit the official website.

John Stamos To Rock n' Roll For Charity

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actor John Stamos will make an appearance at a special night of Rock n’ Roll benefiting Project Cuddle tonight, June 10.

The event celebrates the public opening of the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame in New York, and will feature great food and drinks, and the chance to look through the history of popular music – with a selection of items from Bob Dylan to Bruce Springsteen, Madonna to John Lennon.

Project Cuddle is a 24-hour crisis line for women who are hiding their pregnancies and is the result of one woman’s crusade to help prevent infants from being abandoned, Debbe Magnusen. Since its inception, the organization has saved over 600 babies across the US and into Canada from the fate of being abandoned or worse. Project Cuddle works with frightened girls or women and helps them find safe, legal options so that they never have to leave a baby at a dumpster, a church or dirty back alley.

As part of the event, Project Cuddle is also running an online auction featuring guitars signed by John Stamos – national spokesman for the organization – and a variety of health and beauty experiences. The auction can be accessed here.

For more information about tonight’s event – to be held at the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame, 76 Mercer Street, SoHo, New York at 6:30pm – visit the Project Cuddle website.

War Child Album Cover Artwork To Be Auctioned

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Artist John Squire’s artwork for the new War Child Heroes compilation is to be auctioned off for the charity.

The former Stone Roses guitarist has donated the image for the online auction on eBay.

“For me the appeal of War Child is pretty simple, they help the hungry, the displaced and the traumatised children in certain war zones to deal with that situation and they involve them in deciding how that help is organised," he said. “Anything I can do to support them is no trouble at all.”

It is the third time the musician/artist has created a cover for the charity’s benefit albums.

“I did the first two War Child albums, so why not make it a hat trick?” Squire told NME.COM. “They told me Bowie and the Ramones might be involved, so the first two things I offered them were based on lyrics. They rejected those, I think over the last few years I’ve forgotten how to make record sleeves! So this is the final offering, it’s a bit literal now. I did some exhaustive research, found some psycho website full of guns.”

Also up for auction are copies of the Heroes album and t-shirts signed by Coldplay.

The album features a series of once-in-a-lifetime collaborations between some of the best known names in the music world and up-and-coming stars – a concept that mirrors one of the intrinsic aims of War Child’s worldwide efforts in war zones across the world: to place faith in the next generation. The project paired stars such as Sir Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, and Brian Wilson with up-and-comers such as Duffy and The Hold Steady.

The auction can be accessed here.

Lily Allen To Go Abroad With War Child

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

British singer Lily Allen has announced her plans to travel overseas for charity and explained why.

“I sometimes feel like my life is a bit empty – as ridiculous as that sounds to some people, a bit vacuous,“ she told Q Radio host Samanthi. "It is pop music and people do talk about it too much and sometimes I feel like I want to have a bit more substance in my life.

“I am going to be going to Afghanistan or the Congo in a few weeks to help War Child. They want me to go there and see how the money I have earned for them in the past is being used. And that is the stuff I get really excited about.”

War Child is a network of independent organizations, working across the world to help children affected by war, and advancing the cause of peace through investing hope in the lives of children caught up in the horrors of war.

The charity is currently getting ready to release their long awaited Heroes benefit album on February 16. The CD features a series of once-in-a-lifetime collaborations between some of the best known names in the music world and up-and-coming stars – a concept that mirrors one of the intrinsic aims of War Child’s worldwide efforts in war zones across the world – to place faith in the next generation. Stars such as Sir Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, and Brian Wilson have selected one of their best-known classic songs and nominated a new artist to record a cover of the track. Artists taking part include Beck, who will cover Dylan’s Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat; Rufus Wainwright, who will perform a medley from Wilson’s Smile; and The Kooks, who will cover The Kinks’ Victoria.

Springsteen Chooses Rockers For Charity Album

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The long-delayed Heroes charity album will finally get its release in February, and anticipation is already high from music fans and musicians alike.

“We’d already done ‘Atlantic City’ at a charity benefit, so we kind of had an arrangement worked up, so we decided to record that," Craig Finn, lead singer with The Hold Steady told XFM radio after Bruce Springsteen chose the Brooklyn-based band to cover his song for Heroes. “It’s a pretty fun song, and I’m pretty happy with our version of it. We’ve been compared to Bruce Springsteen a lot, and he is a hero to all of us. It’s flattering that he’d think of us, given the choice. We hope our version of the song conveys the respect we have for him as an artist.”

The album will raise money for War Child, and features a series of once-in-a-lifetime collaborations between some of the best known names in the music world and up-and-coming stars – a concept that mirrors one of the intrinsic aims of War Child’s worldwide efforts in war zones across the world – to place faith in the next generation. Stars such as Sir Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, and Brian Wilson have selected one of their best-known classic songs and nominated a new artist to record a cover of the track. Artists taking part include Beck, who will cover Dylan’s Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat; Rufus Wainwright, who will perform a medley from Wilson’s Smile; and The Kooks, who will cover The Kinks’ Victoria.

“I have been supporting War Child since 1995,” said McCartney, whose 1973 hit Live and Let Die is being covered by Duffy for the album. “Their work with children in war zones saves lives and their work with those who take decisions that help them to do something about it saves even more lives. I think Duffy’s version of ‘Live And Let Die’ is great – I was really impressed. The breadth of talent on this project is amazing; it’s great that so many people gave their time, energy and support to this initiative. I urge everyone to support War Child.”

The album will be released on February 16, 2009.

Bono's RED(Wire) To Launch Next Week

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A new digital music service offered by Bono’s (RED) campaign is set to launch on Monday, December 1 – the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day.

The singer announced the new system in July, saying: “We are working on [a way that] will help change the way music is received, as well as change the lives of Africans who will die without the AIDS drug that (RED) can provide.”

RED (Wire) will be a subscription-based service that will deliver weekly magazine style installments. For $5/month, subscribers will receive an exclusive song from one of the world’s top artists, a song by an emerging artist, a piece of non-music content called a “Crackerjack surprise,” and stories of how (RED) funds are being used to combat the deadly disease.

MSN will host Monday’s launch, with new songs and videos from U2, Coldplay, Death Cab for Cutie, Dixie Chicks, Jay-Z, John Legend and Sheryl Crow to be available at red.msn.com. Bob Dylan, REM, and The Police will also have videos available exclusively on RED (Wire), and there will also be a special Christmas duet between The Killers and Elton John.

“I like that it stands alone as a creative and fun thing to both receive and participate in,” said Michael Stipe. “And it would be that with or without the charity aspect.”

Bob Dylan To Donate Concert Proceeds

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Bob Dylan is to donate some of the proceeds from seven shows on his upcoming tour of Canada to a literacy campaign.

The 67-year-old legend is lending his support to the Canwest Raise-a-Reader Concert Series, a campaign that supports local literacy groups across Canada while also promoting the importance of literacy among Canadian families.

“Bob Dylan has a repertoire of unforgettable lyrics that have put a voice to a variety of causes over the course of his impressive career,” said David Asper, executive vice-president of Canwest Global Communications Corp and chairman of the National Post. “He has made a profound impact in the worlds of both music and literature, and I am so pleased to have him join us in raising the profile of literacy in Canada as the newest addition to the Concert Series family of artists.”

Other artists to have joined the campaign include James Taylor, Michael Buble and Anne Murray, whose concerts have raised $500,000 for national literacy initiatives.

Dylan’s tour kicks off on October 23 in Victoria at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre before heading to Vancouver, Kamloops, Calgary, Lethbridge, Regina, and Winnipeg. Tickets are available through www.bobdylan.com and www.selectyourtickets.com.

Singers Cover Heroes For War Child

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

War Child has announced the release of their biggest and most ambitious album to date: Heroes.

The album – to be released on November 24 – will raise money for the charity, which works to help children around the world affected by war. It will feature a series of once-in-a-lifetime collaborations between some of the best known names in the music world and up-and-coming stars – a concept that mirrors one of the intrinsic aims of War Child’s worldwide efforts in war zones across the world – to place faith in the next generation.

The idea behind the project is to have stars such as Sir Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, and Brian Wilson select one of their best-known classic songs and nominate a new artist to record a cover of the track.

Other artists taking part in the project include Beck, who will cover Dylan’s Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat; Rufus Wainwright, who will perform a medley from Wilson’s Smile; and The Kooks, who will cover The Kinks’ Victoria. Other musicians will be announced over the next few months.

“Heroes (Vol 1) is the most innovative and exciting War Child album to date and therefore it was essential for me that Parlophone be involved,“ said Miles Leonard, Musical Director for Parlophone. “It is very rewarding to see so many artists giving so generously of their time for such a worthwhile cause. I’ve admired the War Child organization for many years now so I am delighted that Parlophone has been able to lend its support.”

The album follows the highly successful Help benefit album – also featuring McCartney – that was released in 1995.

“The prosecution of war on children outrages us,“ said Mike Waddinton, CEO of War Child UK. “And War Child shares this outrage with many, many people. The generosity of the legendary and talented artists who have made this album happen is helping us to harness this outrage and do something really positive for children marginalized by war, the real heroes.”

Heroes will be available wherever good music is sold, and Look To The Stars will bring you more information as it is released.

Singers Combine Talents To Support America’s Farmers

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Rachel Krause

A 23-year-old music tradition continues on September 20 as Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Neil Young grace the stage at Farm Aid 2008.

While it’s the first time the event will be in New England, it’s not the first time Farm Aid will make a lot of noise. With the mission of combining great music and a great cause, musicians and organizers hope to raise awareness about the loss of family farms and to raise funds to keep struggling family farms afloat.

While not often covered in the media, there is a crisis facing family farmers in the United States today. Farmers are under intense economic pressure, especially during a recession, and every year thousands are forced off their land. As a result, our quality of food, environment, and food security suffers as large factory farms dominate the rural countryside.

Some think that with that loss of small family farms comes a loss of America.

“We’re at a moment when a lot of people are asking, ‘What is America? What represents America?’ Certainly, I think that the family farm is a main ingredient of what made America,” says Dave Matthews, musician and member of the board of directors of Farm Aid since 2001.

With the scares of tainted tomatoes, spinach, and jalapenos still fresh in American’s minds, people are looking to local farmers to provide safe, delicious, and organic goods. As a result, family farmers are at a higher demand than ever before and it is important to keep these people financially safe and secure.

“There’s a new food movement sweeping the country and Farm Aid is doing all we can to promote that movement,” says Willie Nelson, well-known folk musician and president of Farm Aid.

Every year Farm Aid funds farm support organizations that assist farmers with services including financial and credit counseling, legal advice, and disaster and emergency services. After the recent flooding in the Midwest in June, Farm Aid provided emergency funds for families to buy food and cover living expenses, as well as provided groups to help farmers avoid foreclosure. However, without the nation’s attention and support, Farm Aid’s work could not continue. It is the annual high-profile concert that ultimately keeps Farm Aid alive and running.

“Farm Aid puts family farmers on center stage,” says Caryoln Mugar, Executive Director. “We shine a national spotlight on family farmers – for our food, our health, our environment, our country. Farm Aid has always done that.”

As the longest running benefit concert in America, its ties have remained strong with famous musicians. Young, Mellencamp, and Nelson first organized the event in 1985, which took place in Champlain, Illinois. Throughout its run, famous musicians such as Elton John, Billy Joel, and Bob Dylan have performed in the hope of saving America’s family farmers.

This year’s lineup includes the three founding members of Farm Aid, as well as Kenny Chesney, Jamey Johnson, Dave Matthews, and One Flew South. While the concert is sold out, Farm Aid is sponsoring the Farmer Hero Sweepstakes that will give one winner and three lucky guests the chance to see the concert — which takes place in Mansfield, Massachusetts — for free. There are two ways to enter. One is to simply enter your name and email address on the Farm Aid website. The second option is to submit a 150 word true story about a farmer who you believe is a true hero.

Even if you can’t make it to this year’s concert there are always ways to help support Farm Aid and its mission of saving the family farmer. Anyone can make a donation or become a member. Even a visit to the Farm Aid shop will help support family farmers.

Every little bit counts, as through the efforts of Farm Aid and people across the nation, over $30 million dollars has been raised to support the family farmer, which in turn, has helped build a sound agricultural future for America.

To learn more about Farm Aid 2008 and the sweepstakes, visit http://www.farmaid.org.

Who Wants To Be A Roadie For The Who?

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Following last week’s announcement that they are to donate the proceeds from an upcoming concert to charity, classic British rockers The Who are offering one lucky fan the chance to roadie for them on their new tour in a special online auction to raise money for a charity that inspires at-risk youth with the assistance of homeless shelter dogs.

Fans are already bidding over $20,000 for the opportunity to join the band on the road and hang out with Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend on their US tour. But that’s not all that’s on offer: bidders also have the chance to pick up signed memorabilia from Bob Dylan, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Harrison Ford, David Gray, Robert Plant, Kevin Spacey, Tom Hanks, Hilary Duff, Justin Long, Tori Spelling, and Hayden Panettiere.

The auction, which runs until August 24 and can be accessed through Ebay Giving Works, is raising money for K9 Connection, a charity that allows at-risk 12- to 18-year-old children train homeless shelter dogs in basic obedience, assisting the dogs to develop the skills to become adoptable. The organization aims to empower high-risk youth to apply the lessons they teach the dogs to their own lives: to develop an awareness of the risks of uncontrolled and impulsive behavior, and to believe in the power of positive reinforcement as an alternative to force and violence.

“Be a Who roadie for a day,” said Roger Daltrey, lead singer for The Who, known for their habit of destroying their equipment onstage. “And if you get the job – good luck… you’re gonna need it!”

Farm Aid 2008 To Rock New England

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Rocker John Mellencamp has unveiled the main acts set to kick up a storm at Farm Aid 2008.

The concert – which will take place on September 20 – will be held for the first time in New England, and will see performances by Mellencamp, Neil Young, Dave Matthews, and Willie Nelson, all of which are on the board of directors for Farm Aid. More acts will be announced over the next few weeks.

“We are proud to bring our annual Farm Aid concert to a region that has such strong agricultural roots and to the many people who love to eat the good food grown in New England,” said Nelson, Farm Aid’s president. “I’m looking forward to bringing my friends together on the Farm Aid stage to celebrate and support family farmers."

Now entering its 23rd year, Farm Aid has raised more than $23 million for family farms and organic agricultural initiatives since the first concert in 1985. A plethora of stars have appeared at the concerts to increase awareness of the importance of family farms over the years, including Jon Bon Jovi, Bob Dylan, Vince Gill, Sammy Hagar, Don Henley, Billy Joel, Charley Pride, and Lou Reed.

“New England was built on the strength of independent family farmers,” said Mellencamp. “We can honor that independent spirit by joining Farm Aid to grow the movement that is changing the way all of America eats.”

The concert will take place at the Comcast Arena in Mansfield. Tickets go on sale July 28 through Ticketmaster.

Captain Planet Fights For The Environment

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 06:52:43 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Captain Planet is back! And thanks to Ted Turner, the super hero who has battled eco-villains such as the radioactive Duke Nukem and toxic waste polluter Sly Sludge is once again fighting for the very Earth that we inhabit.

The cartoon hero made an appearance at a special auction held last week to celebrate Earth Day that featured guitars signed by Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan, trips to Costa Rica and Turner’s Vermejo Park ranch, as well as a dinner with Turner himself. The auction was hosted by Chevy Chase, who set up the Centre For Environmental Education with his wife 18 years ago to strive for environmental understanding.

Proceeds from the auction went to the Captain Planet Foundation, an organization established by Turner in 1991 and inspired by his successful, educational, and entertaining cartoon series. The Foundation provides a unique opportunity for schools and organizations around the world to present their environmental projects to the Captain himself to receive the seed money to grow their ideas into community service learning projects.

Artists Come Out To Shake the Blues

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 15:17:52 -0000

Written by Crystal A. Johnson

The charity Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA) held its annual concert and auctions on Thursday November, 15, 2007 at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles. The “Shaking the Blues” benefit supports ANSA’s work fighting HIV/AIDS in the U.S. and Africa, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Treatment Action Campaign, a grassroots organization at the forefront of South Africa’s fight against AIDS.

Among the celebrities in attendance were Blair Underwood, Eric Benet, Anthony Anderson, Alfre Woodard, Heroes star Jimmy Jean-Louis, and Grey’s Anatomy star James Pickens Jr. Event chairs include Jackson Browne, Morgan Freeman, Samuel L. Jackson, George Lopez, Carlos Santana’s wife Deborah, Alfre Woodard and Forest Whitaker.

Not only was a baseball signed by Hall of Famer Dave Winfield on hand at the silent auction, but Dave and his wife Tonya attended the event. Close friends with Samuel and Latonya Jackson, the Winfields hope to personally visit South Africa soon.

The musical line-up featured stirring performances by The Roots and friends, Erykah Badu with Edith Funker, Nikka Costa, Doyle Bramhall II, Keb Mo, and Taj Mahal. The Roots roused the crowd with a rendition of Bob Dylan’s Masters of War, and the audience rose for Erykah Badu’s performance of her classic On and On.

In keeping with many other recent celebrity events, acknowledgement was given to the writers’ strike; James Pickens Jr spoke of supporting the writers before he introduced the grand finale performance by Taj Mahal.

Movie and K-ville star Anthony Anderson served as auctioneer for the live auction. As Blair Underwood battled for a diamond earring lot, Anderson comically referred to him only as “the man with the orange leather jacket on”. Underwood’s counter-bidder upped the ante, requesting a date with her opponent be included along with the earrings, which she won at $9,000. Not only did Underwood accept, but he promised it would be a dinner at the world-famous restaurant Spagos.

To encourage higher bids on a private lunch with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Anderson jokingly suggested that the winner could take a picture with Tutu and put it on Myspace.com to be the envy of their friends. The lunch went for $15,500.

Los Angeles-based non-profit organization ANSA was originally founded in 1989 by noted members of the entertainment community, with an initial goal of supporting the struggle against apartheid. Over time, the organization’s focus has shifted to the fight against the African AIDS pandemic, advancing democracy, and equality in South Africa.

The effort to raise money is not over. If you want help the cause their are several items available at the online auction. To bid on the online items: www.charityfolks.com/ansa.

Musicians Offer A Second Serve For Charity

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 10:49:53 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

An eclectic gathering of veteran rockers and new artists are featured on a new CD released this month to help fight world hunger and poverty.

Serve2 is a collection of rare and previously unreleased tracks released by Hard Rock International to benefit World Hunger Year (WHY), a leading organization in the fight against hunger and poverty.

The CD, which follows a similar release earlier in 2007, features live, studio, acoustic, and electric performances by some of rock’s biggest selling artists, as well as Grammy winners and critically acclaimed musicians. Hard Rock is well known for its commitment to music, but philanthropy is the company’s soul, and this is witnessed in their involvement in projects such as this.

“We are honored to be partnering once again with Hard Rock and such great musicians for this effort,” said WHY Chief Executive and founder, Bill Ayres. “The generosity and time committed to Serve2 has been tremendous, and we are overwhelmed by the support for the cause.”

WHY was formed in 1975 by Ayres, a radio talk-show host, and singer/songwriter Harry Chapin. Chapin’s daughter, Jen, who features on Serve2, said that her father “saw hunger and poverty as an insult to America”. Many of his concerts were benefit performances for the 82 charities he was known to support, and the sales of all his concert merchandise were donated directly to WHY. At the time of his death in 1981, it was discovered that Chapin had donated almost all of his personal fortune to charity. Today, WHY is an international non-profit organization that connects grass roots charities to funding expertise and publicity.

Serve2 is available both in CD format and digitally, with bonus tracks available on the digital version. The full tracklist includes:

1. Bruce Springsteen – The Ghost of Tom Joad (live in Dublin)

2. KT Tunstall – Heal Over (live at Gaia Music, London)

3. Bob Dylan – The Ballad of Hollis Brown (live at Carnegie Hall, 1963)

4. Joss Stone – Big Ol’ Game

5. Jackson Browne – Casino Nation (live in Melbourne)

6. Citizen Cope feat. Alice Smith – 107 Degrees

7. Brandi Carlile – The Times They Are A-Changing (live in Boston)

8. Marc Broussard – Bring It On Home To Me

9. The Hold Steady – Arms and Hearts

10. OAR – Dareh Meyod (live in Madison Square Garden)

11. Natasha Bedingfield – Lay Down

12. Mat Kearney – Nothing Left To Lose (acoustic version)

13. Ghosts – Stay The Night

14. Andrew WK – This Is My World

Digital bonus tracks include:

1) Toby Lightman – Better (live at Joe’s Pub)

2) Sons of William – Bell Bottom Blues (Eric Clapton cover)

3) Hellogoodbye – Baby It’s Fact (live in New York)

4) Josh Rouse – Start Again

5) Jen Chapin – You Haven’t Done Nothing (Stevie Wonder cover)

6) Eli Cook – Man Child

7) Griffin House – Love To Begin

Also available as part of Hard Rock’s commitment to WHY is a 21st Signature Series T shirt, sweatshirt, and commemorative pin, inspired by Bruce Springsteen, which features a drawing of one of The Boss’ favorite guitars.

The Serve2 CD, the clothing, and the pin are available at Hard Rock stores around the world, as well as at www.hardrock.com and www.worldhungeryear.org. The digital format CD, including the bonus tracks, is also available through these websites, as well as through most major online retail stores. 100% of all proceeds go to WHY.

Music Memorabilia Charity Auction Raises $2.4 Million

Tue, 01 May 2007 17:48:03 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

An auction of music memorabilia from celebrities including Jimi Hendrix, The Edge, Bono and Paul McCartney has raised $2.4 million, much of which will go to a charity for musicians.

Music Rising, whose founders include U2 guitarist The Edge, replaces musical equipment lost or destroyed by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

The Edge donated his favourite guitar, a 1975 Gibson Les Paul that has been played on every U2 tour to date. Like many of the items sold, the guitar’s forecast sale price of $60,000 to $80,000 was greatly exceeded by the eventual winning bid of $288,000.

Further guitars owned by Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan and Paul McCartney were sold for $480,000, $192,000 and $81,600 respectively, while a pair of sunglasses belonging to Bono fetched $24,000.

Bidding at the auction on 21st April lasted three hours longer than planned, and all 204 lots were sold. 100% of the proceeds from many items will go directly to Music Rising, while other items were sold only partly to benefit the charity.

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